Why Are You Becoming a Villain Again?

I hadn't fully come to accept the twins yet.

The lingering thought that they felt like siblings made me feel a sense of guilt.

But at the same time, pushing them away left me with an even greater unease.

I had seen what would happen to them without me, after all.

In truth, it's hard to say this is a good form of love.

Unlike the love I had with Judy or Daisy, where I took the first step, the twins were in the position of receiving.

Just as Asena herself felt, I couldn't fully embrace their heavy love...but that's something that can change gradually.

Like Asena said while crying, "How can we be siblings if we're not related by blood?" All I had to do was change my perception.

Once I made the decision, I felt incredibly relieved.

Since that day, the twins hadn't made any sudden moves, so I didn't feel burdened.

Moreover, whenever I saw the twins' faces, I couldn't help but smile.

Keirsey would walk around with a bright smile, as if something was making her happy even when she was just standing still, and sometimes, when our eyes met, she would blush and look away.

Asena didn't show any big changes in her expression, but the darkness that used to shadow her face was gradually disappearing.

Surely, I also didn't seem to look at the twins with the typical emotions of a sibling.

Was it because I had made a choice? There was no longer even a trace of rejection in their actions.

Instead, the more I saw them, the more I could gradually digest and absorb their feelings.

*****

Now, it was time for Daisy and Judy to return to their hometown.

As many things had happened, and as it was time to return to the academy, there was much to organize.

We returned to the Pryster estate to discuss our future plans.

Everyone gathered in one room to talk: Grandma, the twins, Daisy, Judy, Helen, Lawrence, Thein, and others...

"So, who...will become Mels?" Grandma Liana asked.

She said nothing about my choice, just smiled and hugged me, as if she understood the agony I went through to make that decision.

There are many times I feel fortunate to have met a benefactor like Grandma.

Keirsey spoke up first.

"Me."

There was a firm strength in her voice.

"Keirsey Mels. That will be my future name."

Grandma Liana looked

Keirsey for a long time before chuckling softly.

"Keirsey, you have no hesitation in giving up the Pryster name."

Of course, Grandma knew that Keirsey wasn't doing it with ill intentions. So, she also smiled at Keirsey, as if finding it amusing.

However, being pointed out made Keirsey suddenly feel embarrassed about revealing her deep feelings, and she blushed, lowering her head.

"Is Cayden, no, your Oppa, that important to you?"

Keirsey didn't bother to answer. Her deeply blushing face spoke for her.

She seemed rather excited, unable to contain her anticipation for the future.

"I also...plan become a Mels," Judy chimed in. She faced Grandma's intimidating presence with a knight-like tone.

Grandma looked at Judy and nodded. Unlike with Keirsey, she didn't tease her.

"...I see. Rather than staying as an Ice as an illegitimate child, that would be better."

"Yes."

"You plan to leave the Ice estate."

"Yes. I have already talked to my father about it. He...granted permission easily."

As Judy said this, she appeared both sad and relieved.

Leaving the family where she had felt the pain of being an illegitimate child, she was coming to me.

"Do you have any concerns about joining the Mels family?"

"... My father agrees with it. He seems to feel more comfortable with me being indirectly connected rather than directly tied to Pryster, even if it's just in name."

Grandma blinked as if recalling something and then nodded.

Grandma's gaze shifted from Judy to Daisy.

Although she tried to hide it, Grandma's demeanor still grew colder when dealing with Daisy compared Judy.

Her expression became less expressive and more rigid.

Daisy, undeterred, spoke.

"I think I need to go back and talk about it."

"...What do you mean?"

Grandma's eyes grew even colder.

Daisy flinched momentarily, then answered slowly.

"I don't mean that I don't want to be with Cayden...but as the eldest daughter, I need to discuss whether to inherit Hexter or Mels. In my heart...I want to accept Mels."

At Daisy's explanation, Grandma relaxed her expression and nodded.

Since I was sitting right next to Daisy, I comforted her, understanding the negative emotions she must have felt.

Daisy looked at me with gratitude, as if thankful for my gesture.

Lastly, it was naturally Asena's turn.

The current head of Pryster and the Duchess.

Her eyes had been hardened since the conversation started.

Still, knowing it was her turn, she opened her mouth.

"..."

Then she stopped.

In fact, when it came to Asena, the answer was already decided.

She couldn't take on the name Mels.

She must have known it too. There was no one to carry on Pryster if not her.

But even though the decision was already made, it seemed difficult for her to say it out loud.

".........

It had been a long time since I'd seen her at such a loss for words.

Especially in a setting like this.

Asena's eyes sought mine, struggling to continue.

Even though not having the same name wouldn't make a big difference, she couldn't bring herself to say it.

.. Who knows? She might desire to abandon the Pryster name that binds us as siblings and instead take on the Mels name, binding us as a couple.

Her gaze shifted to Keirsey.

In her eyes as she looked at Keirsey...there was deep envy.

"...Phew."

Asena sighed, seemingly steeling herself.

"...I am Pryster," She finally said.

Both Grandma and I just nodded.

-Creak!

At that moment, Asena stood up.

All eyes, startled, turned to her.

With a hardened expression, she spoke quietly.

"...I'll go get some fresh air. Please continue the discussion."

Then, she turned and left the room.

It seemed that not being able to share the same surname with me was a source of stress for her.

Thud.

As the door closed behind her, an awkward silence settled in.

"I'll go after her."

In the end, I stood up and said.

No one objected.

"Asena."

I managed to catch up with her as she walked down the corridor.

She turned to look at me, her eyes widening slightly.

Then, she turned away with a feigned nonchalance and continued walking.

Hiding her expression from me, she spoke.

"...Sorry, Oppa. Did I ruin the mood? Just give me a little time."

Such emotional behavior was unlike her.

Even if she wanted to be alone, I couldn't leave her be.

No matter how much more time she needed...if I had decided to take responsibility for her for life, I had to act accordingly.

But I also wanted to give her some space.

Keeping a certain distance and not speaking any further, I followed her.

She walked until she reached a nearby garden, where she finally stopped.

It was a garden just for the two of us.

When she realized that no one else was around, she turned and suddenly hugged me.

-Thump!

"Ugh!"

She spoke with a trembling body.

"...I've been thinking a lot lately, Oppa. Why was I born first?"

"...What?"

"If only I had been born a little later, I could have lived and acted like Keirsey."

"As I've said many times, I don't need the family. As long as I can be by your side."

"...You did say that."

I wrapped my arms around her and began to stroke her gently, just like old times.

Asena was momentarily surprised by my touch, then twisted her body and pressed closer against me.

Seeing her, who usually possessed such overwhelming charisma, showing such affection towards me, stirred something inside my heart.

As I pondered how to ease her mind, I spoke.

"...Asena."

"...What?"

"When you think about it, you and I are both heads of our own families now."

"In the future, I'll probably ask you for help a lot."

"...So, it would be nice if you could help your Oppa out."

Asena remained silent for a moment, then answered gruffly.

"...You have Daisy too."

I realized my mistake at that moment. What I intended as comfort didn't help much.

So, I resorted to a little trick.

Even if it was an empty statement, I said something to make her feel better.

Hugging her tighter, I lowered my head and whispered into her ear.

"...It would be really helpful if you could."

"...Won't you?"

Asena's breathing grew heavier in my embrace. As expected, I no longer felt any resistance to this kind of interaction. My defenses weren't as thick as I had thought...I found myself

accepting her quite comfortably.

Asena pushed away from me slightly and looked into my face.

Her cheeks were slightly flushed as she spoke.

"...Oppa."

"...Yes?"

"Although I've already mentioned this...we agreed not to fight over you."

"Hmm?"

"We decided not to compete for your love, as it would be endless."

"So, I have one request."

"Sure, what is it?"

"...When we're alone together, please act like you love me the most."

I couldn't fully understand her intentions behind this request. Perhaps she sensed that my earlier comforting words were somewhat hollow. Or maybe it was the happiness she felt from

them that prompted her request.

"...Like I said, I know you haven't fully accepted me. But...when your heart opens, and when we're alone...please love me."

Her earnest words shook me once again. I felt like we were getting closer.

Looking at Asena, who was pouring her heart out to me, I answered.

"...I will."

"...Then, could you just stay still for a moment?"

I didn't need further explanation

understand what she wanted.

So, I made the first move. Whether it was because I wanted to fulfill her wish, to comfort her unease, or out of my own sense of obligation, I couldn't tell.

But I lowered my head and lightly kissed Asena on the lips.

Her eyes widened in surprise, and her mouth slightly opened.

She looked at me with a very shocked expression.

"...Asena."

"...O-Oppa..."

She blushed and lowered her head, shy as if it was her first time.

"...I'll be counting on you from now on."

In response to my words, she hugged me once again.

Several days later.

Many things had been settled.

Daisy relinquished her status as heir and passed it on to her younger sibling.

She decided to live as a Mels, not as a Hexter.

Judy packed her things and left the Ice name promptly. Though she still hadn't married, she never returned to the Ice estate.

Keirsey also moved into the Mels estate, taking up residence there.

She sought me out constantly...but as busy as I was, she provided much-needed support.

Despite her playful nature, Keirsey was quite knowledgeable in political science and greatly assisted me with the parts I struggled with.

We hired new attendants and maids and began restoring the war-torn estate.

We also apprehended the entrenched criminals, gradually lifting the heavy atmosphere.

As we went through these busy days...

...I returned to the academy.

The vacation was over.

Not much had changed.

The academy looked the same, and the nobles roaming around hadn't changed much either.

The only difference was the emblem on my shoulder, the absence the sword at my side, and the classroom I needed to enter.

As the new head of the family. I had to take political science classes.

Asena, Keirsey, Daisy, and Judy stood behind me.

Though Judy remained in the knight program, she insisted on seeing me off.

Despite the change in our schedules, she didn't show her disappointment, knowing that I would tease her if she did.

I took a deep breath and opened the door to the political science class.

Countless eyes turned to me.

The head of the family from a commoner background. A knight who had fought in the war.

I couldn't tell how they perceived me, but it wasn't with disdain.

I believed it was a good start.

I stepped forward.

-Step. Step.

Then, I greeted them.

"Pleased to meet you."

Some who already knew me smiled.

"I'm Cayden Mels."

Thus, the beginning of my family was announced.